Best sports tourer for medium-long distance all weather commute? [Archive]

alexp36

1st April 2014, 10:49

Hi all,

Been thinking about trading up to something with some weather protection for my daily commute.
I live about 75kms from work, in a rural area near water, so I get a lot of fog for about the first half of my ride on cold mornings.

Other than the obvious advantages of rain and cold protection, could I expect to get any improvement in fogging on the outside of my visor from a decent fairing?

I've been looking at various options for a used sports tourer, including Honda VFR, Suzuki RF900, Suzuki Bandit, Yamaha FZR600 (a bit old now), Triumph Sprint ST, and even Honda superblackbird (quite a bit faster than I need, but seem to be great value for money).

Any experience of the above bikes, or other suggestions?

Cheers, Alex.

TheDemonLord

1st April 2014, 11:05

alexp36

1st April 2014, 12:23

I'm on a parallel course - I ride in to AK from South Head :-). I wasn't even aware of the 650F. I'll have a look, cheers.

Banditbandit

1st April 2014, 15:28

BANDIT - love them.l

I have a 650 (2005 - carbed oil-cooled) for daily transport and a 1250 for the weekends (2009 liquid cooled, injected) ... I've put more than 50thou ks on each bike ... (My dailty commute for the last 20 years has been all open road, except for the last two or three ks into town ...)

Bandits are hugely reliable, they a fucking fun without being totally aggressive ...

Either a used a GSF650 naked or faired or a new one - the GSX650F or the 1250 ... (or even the older 1200s if that's your price range - a mate had/has one - he had 130,000klicks on the clock last time I saw him ...)

I've done Wellington to Whakatāne, stopping only for gas in Shannon and then Turangi - felt great for a straight run through .... I've done more than 1,000klicks in one day - and had no worries.

The 650 feels a little light long distance - the front end can bounce around a little where the 1250 is completely stable (across the Napier-Taupo road for instance) ...

The standard factory settings on the front forks of the 650 are too light - the bike is better if the front suspension is tightened up a little ...

They will scare the hell out of many sports bike riders who think they are shit hot .. but aren't ... I've seen 213 klicks indicated on the speedo of the 650 .. and the 1250 was still accelerating at 245klicks (indicated) when I shut it down because the corner was coming fast ... (I say indicated on the speedo because it is unreliable and can be dead on or up to 10% out ... and errattic with it)

They both have grunt - the 650 runs at high revs and is more like a sports 600, using the gears more produces good results .. while the 1250 is low down power .. they are NOT the same to ride .. (an oil-cooled 1200 may be similar to the 650) .. the 650 motor is very responsive and I can balance it in the corners on the throttle with a little counter-steering ... an injected 650 would be even more responsive ... (I've opened the throttle on the 1250 and had to grab the bars as the acceleration nearly tossed me over the back .. lesson learnt)

I've heard people complain that their Bandit wallowed in corners .. but they never changed down - Bandits corner best at higher revs ...

I run Conti Road Attacks on the 650 because they are fun and the bike is quite flickable .. and PR3s on the 1250 .. because they suit that bike better .. (I had road attacks on the 1250 but it masde trhe bike turn much quicker than I was used too and I was forever lifting it up in corners ...) I don't throw the 1250 around like I do the 650 ...

So all in all, I wouldn't go passed a Bandit - find one and go for a ride ... I'll bet you won't want to get off it ..

They are not hugely expensive as bikes go .. the equivalent in other makes will cost you more than a Bandit ...

Banditbandit

1st April 2014, 15:31

Do you ride in from Silverdale/Warkworth area? (cause I do tooooo)

Am oogling up a GSX650FU for my next bike (is LAMS cause I is on a learner) but is identical to the GSX650F (except for the decrease power output) - I took the lams version for a test ride and it was brilliant

Hmmm .. I'm not sure .. from my POV the LAMS Bandit 650 is crap - heavy and underpowered - this is NOT a good LAMS bike ... but once you have a licence - hell yes ... get the real thing.

caspernz

1st April 2014, 15:56

Your question is missing a budget range for starters...

If I was put in that situation I'd be looking at FJR1300 or ST1300. But really, if you're commuting 150 or so clicks each day, something has already gone wrong logic wise, IMHO. Last time I lived that far from work I had a company car for example...

alexp36

1st April 2014, 20:03

Thanks Banditbandit, yeah I'm definitely interested in looking at a bandit.

caspernz - good point - I should have put what my budget is. I'm looking at about $5k.
Any suggestions in that price range?

alexp36

1st April 2014, 20:24

Banditbandit - do either (or both) of your bikes have fairings? Are they full or half? What sort of weather protection do they give you?

haydes55

1st April 2014, 20:33

I'd look for a V-Strom (Suzuki DL650).

Comfortable, big windscreen, frugal on the gas and will do almost anything. Quite a few in your price range.

Headbanger

1st April 2014, 20:53

Fairings are gay, so are jap bikes.

True story.

And being gay is bad for your health, also a true story.

aids

True story

Buy a street Triple.

alexp36

1st April 2014, 22:02

Fairings are gay, so are jap bikes.

True story.

And being gay is bad for your health, also a true story.

aids

True story

Buy a street Triple.

Ummm, thank you for that, errr, nugget. Of wisdom I mean, obviously.

alexp36

1st April 2014, 22:07

I'd look for a V-Strom (Suzuki DL650).

Comfortable, big windscreen, frugal on the gas and will do almost anything. Quite a few in your price range.

Yeah, I've heard they're a great machine. Unfortunately I just can't get excited about the adventure tourer style bikes. Dunno why - my first bike was an enduro/motocross style bike.
Cheers, Alex.

Headbanger

1st April 2014, 22:10

Ummm, thank you for that, errr, nugget. Of wisdom I mean, obviously.

Plenty more nuggets where that one came from.

Fear Not, Kiwibiker.

FJRider

2nd April 2014, 05:01

Yeah, I've heard they're a great machine. Unfortunately I just can't get excited about the adventure tourer style bikes. Dunno why - my first bike was an enduro/motocross style bike.
Cheers, Alex.

You're a little off track if "Style" is more important than the main task that needs to be performed well.

You need comfort, economy and reliability. Enough horsepower to power through a head wind ... but not enough to chew out rear tires faster than necessary. The bigger the bike .. the heavier it is .. and also this adds to faster tire wear. Low speeds in city traffic isn't fun on the bigger (sport) bikes. And unless your Home/Workplace route only involves open road speeds ... look for something comfortable to use in slower traffic too ... (and can lane split with ease .. ??)

The initial budget is one thing ... the weekly/monthly running costs are another. Fuel is the cost most look at ... but each month ... you'll most likely spend more on tires. Add servicing costs (oil/filters/brake pads etc) and you may find it isn't cheap to commute by bike.
Fun .... ?? well that depends a lot on weather too.

Even the gear you wear for the commute may differ from the usual day/weekend rides.

Banditbandit

2nd April 2014, 07:44

Banditbandit - do either (or both) of your bikes have fairings? Are they full or half? What sort of weather protection do they give you?

The 650 is naked - I put a Skidmarks flyscreen on it - it catches a lot of flies - but gives bugger all weather protection

The 1250 has what we used to call a Bikini fairing - I think that might be what you mean by a half fairing .. that's OK ..

But weather protection? I'm not that worried about it - I come from the days of wearing two pair of jeans and an army greatcoat to keep arm - bugger dry, never happen ... so a the modern gear is just wonderful. I kinda think that if you're worried about weather protection buy a car - then you get a stereo as well ...

For around $5grand I'd suggest this: (You didn't specify an engine size) It has the full fairings

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-708396410.htm

Or for just a little more, this GSX650F - the TNAB - the same engine with GSX forks and other bits ..

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/tourers/auction-696745112.htm

The later models are all a little more pricey ..

Banditbandit

2nd April 2014, 07:50

You're a little off track if "Style" is more important than the main task that needs to be performed well.

Fuck - and here I was thinking that style and class were hugely important ...

You need comfort, economy and reliability.

Yeah ??? I want FUN !!!!

Enough horsepower to power through a head wind ... but not enough to chew out rear tires faster than necessary.

Sorry - Bandits can be rough on rear tyres if you use the throttle as it is meant to be used ...

The bigger the bike .. the heavier it is .. and also this adds to faster tire wear. Low speeds in city traffic isn't fun on the bigger (sport) bikes. And unless your Home/Workplace route only involves open road speeds ... look for something comfortable to use in slower traffic too ... (and can lane split with ease .. ??)

The initial budget is one thing ... the weekly/monthly running costs are another. Fuel is the cost most look at ... but each month ... you'll most likely spend more on tires. Add servicing costs (oil/filters/brake pads etc) and you may find it isn't cheap to commute by bike.

That is true - but fuck me, it's a lot more FUN !!!!

Fun .... ?? well that depends a lot on weather too.

Yeah ?? For wimps maybe = the rest of us just ride ...

Even the gear you wear for the commute may differ from the usual day/weekend rides.

True that - my daily commute is in modern Fabric jackets and dragging jeans - my weekend rides are in full leathers .

willytheekid

2nd April 2014, 08:22

Swoop

2nd April 2014, 09:29

imdying

2nd April 2014, 09:49

Fairings are gay, so are jap bikes.So what's the deal with Triumphs? They've gone out of there way to design (and manufacture) in the Japanese style? What does that make them? Tom Cruise / John Travolta bikes? Bikes in the closet? Why would he want a pretender when he can have the real deal?

imdying

2nd April 2014, 09:50

Yeah, I've heard they're a great machine. Unfortunately I just can't get excited about the adventure tourer style bikes. Dunno why - my first bike was an enduro/motocross style bike.
Cheers, Alex.I can understand that, but would still be worth riding one... when I read your original post, that was the first thing that came to mind.

The Reibz

2nd April 2014, 12:51

You need a Hayabusa or zx14r. Nothing else really needs to be said

Devil

2nd April 2014, 14:19

Hi all,

Been thinking about trading up to something with some weather protection for my daily commute.
I live about 75kms from work, in a rural area near water, so I get a lot of fog for about the first half of my ride on cold mornings.

Other than the obvious advantages of rain and cold protection, could I expect to get any improvement in fogging on the outside of my visor from a decent fairing?

I've been looking at various options for a used sports tourer, including Honda VFR, Suzuki RF900, Suzuki Bandit, Yamaha FZR600 (a bit old now), Triumph Sprint ST, and even Honda superblackbird (quite a bit faster than I need, but seem to be great value for money).

All of those bikes are reasonable bikes in their own right, but I wouldn't consider any of them if weather protection was the main criteria. The best advice so far in this thread (for weather protection) is the DL650 and the FJR etc.

The VFR, RF, Bandit etc might have weather protection for your balls only. Don't do squat for your upper body.

alexp36

2nd April 2014, 19:16

The 650 is naked - I put a Skidmarks flyscreen on it - it catches a lot of flies - but gives bugger all weather protection

The 1250 has what we used to call a Bikini fairing - I think that might be what you mean by a half fairing .. that's OK ..

But weather protection? I'm not that worried about it - I come from the days of wearing two pair of jeans and an army greatcoat to keep arm - bugger dry, never happen ... so a the modern gear is just wonderful. I kinda think that if you're worried about weather protection buy a car - then you get a stereo as well ...

For around $5grand I'd suggest this: (You didn't specify an engine size) It has the full fairings

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-708396410.htm

Or for just a little more, this GSX650F - the TNAB - the same engine with GSX forks and other bits ..

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/tourers/auction-696745112.htm

The later models are all a little more pricey ..

Thanks Banditbandit, I mainly agree with what you say, and I used to say I wasn't worried about weather either. Which is why my current bike has no fairing.

But, I've been commuting year round, for an hour each way, sometimes with headwinds, day after day, in cold wet conditions in winter, for about 2 years. Not to mention night rides at about 1am coming home from band practice, about 95kms from South Auckland.
Some (any) protection from wind, rain, and cold starts to sound good.
And no, I don't want to swap for a cage :-)

Back to the important subject - the bikes.
Both those ones you posted look good. Particularly like the GSF650 (I like black). Sadly that one is probably just out of my price range.
I had looked at Bandits, but didn't see that 1200. New listing maybe?

BTW - as far as I know, a bikini fairing is a little round thing that pretty much just covers around the headlight, plus a windscreen obviously. A half fairing extends slightly lower, and is not necessarily round, and is often designed to be the top half of a full fairing.

Headbanger

2nd April 2014, 19:23

Why would he want a pretender when he can have the real deal?

Mate, if you want the cock, you go get the cock.

alexp36

2nd April 2014, 19:25

You want value for money?

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-709019691.htm

...and its nearly run in!!

or

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-700747850.htm

(price is a tad to high tho...could talk them down possibly?)

And yes...I friggin LOVE mine, best all rounder I have ever owned!! (does everything close to perfectly!)
and the engine!!...omg!!!, that whine of the gear driven cams over top of the V4 growl :drool:

and the RF900's are also a fantastic bike!, again, GREAT all rounders and they go for dirt cheap (people have forgotten how good some of the old 90's bikes are...they may be old, but they can still hold there own even against todays "sports tourers" ;) )

Best of luck, and I hope you find the bike that makes you smile :D

Thanks Mr thekid. Yes - I've been looking at the VFRs on TM, saw both of those. The red one has 111k on the clock. I'm aware of Honda's reputation for reliability, and the guy states the bike has a service history, but I'm not a mechanic, so it seems like a gamble to me. Still, it's one to keep in mind, especially given the "ONO" part on the ad. Must admit I'd love to just get a bank loan, and get a much newer VFR. They look really nice. Too many other debts at the moment, sadly.

alexp36

2nd April 2014, 19:27

What Willy said.

The VFR is a great commuter. Slender enough to slip through traffic and good rain protection as well.

Longer distance touring, it is nigh on perfect. Very comfortable seat, good riding position and when you get to a twisty section she'll fall back on her race pedigree and show you a good time.

Thanks for that Swoop. You do make them sound pretty good :niceone: This is what I like about web forums - you can build up a pretty good idea of what you want by getting a number of peoples opinions. Cheers.

alexp36

2nd April 2014, 19:35

I can understand that, but would still be worth riding one... when I read your original post, that was the first thing that came to mind.

Thanks imdying
Interesting handle you got there by the way.
They really that good? I'm curious now. What have they got over a more conventional sport tourer type bike?

alexp36

2nd April 2014, 19:38

You need a Hayabusa or zx14r. Nothing else really needs to be said

Yeah, in a perfect world, I'd love to own something like that, although there's no way I'd ever get even near the best out of it. On road or track...
What sort of mileage do you get out of a back tyre on that 'bus? Out of interest.

The Reibz

2nd April 2014, 19:41

Yeah, in a perfect world, I'd love to own something like that, although there's no way I'd ever get even near the best out of it. On road or track...
What sort of mileage do you get out of a back tyre on that 'bus? Out of interest.

Depends on how many burnouts I do. Got 10k out of this last one is

alexp36

2nd April 2014, 19:51

All of those bikes are reasonable bikes in their own right, but I wouldn't consider any of them if weather protection was the main criteria. The best advice so far in this thread (for weather protection) is the DL650 and the FJR etc.

The VFR, RF, Bandit etc might have weather protection for your balls only. Don't do squat for your upper body.

Thanks for replying Devil. I do really like the look of FJRs. And I've always considered myself a fan of Yamaha. Don't know if I've ever actually seen an FJR up close. I should start going into some dealers to have a better look, and see what else is out there.

Are you saying the VFR, RF, Bandit, etc. have a fairing which is too low to do much? Guess I need to get off my arse, do some test rides, and find out for myself, LOL.

alexp36

2nd April 2014, 19:54

Depends on how many burnouts I do. Got 10k out of this last one is

10k doesn't sound too bad, for a bike like that. Was that 'cause you were being careful with it? If you listen to some people, the big sports bikes supposedly go through a tyre in about 5 minutes...

haydes55

2nd April 2014, 19:58

Thanks imdying

Interesting handle you got there by the way.

They really that good? I'm curious now. What have they got over a more conventional sport tourer type bike?

Longer travel suspension which means a more cushioned ride. Upright riding position so weight is evenly on your pegs and seat. The wind protection is great. The tank is a decent size and usually can manage 400+km per tank (depending on what year and how it's ridden).

If I didn't want to do track days and loved savage acceleration, I'd own one in a heart beat. You'd be hard pressed to find a better bike to comfortably tour NZ on a budget. So would be great commuting a decent distance.

The Reibz

2nd April 2014, 19:58

10k doesn't sound too bad, for a bike like that. Was that 'cause you were being careful with it? If you listen to some people, the big sports bikes supposedly go through a tyre in about 5 minutes...

Had about 4 big burnouts on it. Depends what tires you put on them to be honest. I use my bike mainly for touring so track tires don't do it for me. A Busa is a great general around bike and they do come up cheap from time to time

alexp36

2nd April 2014, 20:25

You're a little off track if "Style" is more important than the main task that needs to be performed well.

You need comfort, economy and reliability. Enough horsepower to power through a head wind ... but not enough to chew out rear tires faster than necessary. The bigger the bike .. the heavier it is .. and also this adds to faster tire wear. Low speeds in city traffic isn't fun on the bigger (sport) bikes. And unless your Home/Workplace route only involves open road speeds ... look for something comfortable to use in slower traffic too ... (and can lane split with ease .. ??)

The initial budget is one thing ... the weekly/monthly running costs are another. Fuel is the cost most look at ... but each month ... you'll most likely spend more on tires. Add servicing costs (oil/filters/brake pads etc) and you may find it isn't cheap to commute by bike.
Fun .... ?? well that depends a lot on weather too.

Even the gear you wear for the commute may differ from the usual day/weekend rides.

Sorry FJRider, saw this earlier, but didn't have time to reply.
I get what you're saying, and they are all good points. Actually I started off thinking about getting a big bike, litre plus, not because I need (or even particularly want) to go extremely fast, but just because they're, you know, sexy. I've always been driven to bikes more through "want" than "need".
The practicality is what sells it to the wife. The fun is what sells it to me.
I could actually just get a a cheap car to get to work (although I'd have to put up with paying for parking, and being stuck in traffic). Bottom line is I'm on a bike because I like it. So, would be kind of pointless getting one I don't actually like very much.
That said, you've definitly made me think a bit more about the litre bike thing.
Cheers, Alex.

alexp36

2nd April 2014, 20:41

Longer travel suspension which means a more cushioned ride. Upright riding position so weight is evenly on your pegs and seat. The wind protection is great. The tank is a decent size and usually can manage 400+km per tank (depending on what year and how it's ridden).

If I didn't want to do track days and loved savage acceleration, I'd own one in a heart beat. You'd be hard pressed to find a better bike to comfortably tour NZ on a budget. So would be great commuting a decent distance.

Ok, that's some pretty good reasons, I have to admit. I'll take a look next time I'm at a Suzuki dealer. Maybe I'll like them better up close :-) Cheers.

FJRider

2nd April 2014, 20:44

Sorry FJRider, saw this earlier, but didn't have time to reply.
I get what you're saying, and they are all good points. Actually I started off thinking about getting a big bike, litre plus, not because I need (or even particularly want) to go extremely fast, but just because they're, you know, sexy. I've always been driven to bikes more through "want" than "need".
The practicality is what sells it to the wife. The fun is what sells it to me.
I could actually just get a a cheap car to get to work (although I'd have to put up with paying for parking, and being stuck in traffic). Bottom line is I'm on a bike because I like it. So, would be kind of pointless getting one I don't actually like very much.
That said, you've definitly made me think a bit more about the litre bike thing.
Cheers, Alex.

I know the "Fun" bit interests many in the bike commute thing ... but after the rego/fuel (twist throttle for fun)/tires .... I hope you're on a good wage/salary to be able to afford it.

Do the sums with the tires ... how many weeks do you reckon you'll get out of a set ... ?? (commute plus weekend rides)

Do the sums with the fuel too ... What % of riding is done on .. ?? Open road/Motorway/city street/inner city ... different types of riding uses different fuel amounts ...

Fun is good .. being broke is not.

alexp36

2nd April 2014, 21:02

I know the "Fun" bit interests many in the bike commute thing ... but after the rego/fuel (twist throttle for fun)/tires .... I hope you're on a good wage/salary to be able to afford it.

Do the sums with the tires ... how many weeks do you reckon you'll get out of a set ... ?? (commute plus weekend rides)

Do the sums with the fuel too ... What % of riding is done on .. ?? Open road/Motorway/city street/inner city ... different types of riding uses different fuel amounts ...

Fun is good .. being broke is not.

I see you have a '93 FJ1200. What's that like?
I've got a soft spot for the old FJs - I remember when the first FJ1100s came out. I remember being told at the time they were the first bike to crack a 10 second quarter mile.
I had a 1982 Yamaha IT175 at the time, which I loved greatly, despite it's habit of rattling itself to bits.

ital916

2nd April 2014, 21:07

Busa. Gen 1. Touring screen, gel seat, risers and three bag set up.

You're welcome.

alexp36

2nd April 2014, 21:11

Busa. Gen 1. Touring screen, gel seat, risers and three bag set up.

You're welcome.

I am? In that case, thank you!

FJRider

2nd April 2014, 21:30

I see you have a '93 FJ1200. What's that like?
I've got a soft spot for the old FJs - I remember when the first FJ1100s came out. I remember being told at the time they were the first bike to crack a 10 second quarter mile.
I had a 1982 Yamaha IT175 at the time, which I loved greatly, despite it's habit of rattling itself to bits.

I used my FJ for a month for a 35 km (each way) commute. 5 days a week. The 3 liter V6 Toyota Septre I had at the time was cheaper to use ... Fuel was the cheapest part for the bike (but not by much) Tires were for the Toyota (by quite a lot).

Open road most of the way ... top gear ... (except for the odd quick overtake)

Definitely FUN though ...

Ender EnZed

2nd April 2014, 23:03

Are you saying the VFR, RF, Bandit, etc. have a fairing which is too low to do much? Guess I need to get off my arse, do some test rides, and find out for myself, LOL.

People have different opinions on the value of fairings so you really need to try a few different bikes for yourself to get a feel for it.

On the bikes you've mentioned above I don't find they're worth much at any sensible road speed. By 200+ when you're tucked down behind whatever's on offer they certainly make a huge difference but at 100 in a normal riding position then you're still in the wind and you're still going to get wet when it rains.

Riding something like an FJR or ST1300 for the first time with that massive adjustable screen in the highest position is a totally difference experience to motorcycling as you know it. You're sitting in a bubble of still air where you could probably light a cigarette without too much trouble at 1**km/h. You're not gonna find one of those for $5k but ST1100s come up for that kind of coin fairly regularly.

Big Dave

3rd April 2014, 01:47

You're gonna commute = you are going to be low speed or stopped frequently.
Fairing mostly useless unless you just like the look of them.
Even at highway speeds a quality riding suit provides better protection from the elements.

Banditbandit

3rd April 2014, 08:19

I'm a little biased as a mate had an RF900, traded it in on a VFR ... had lots of trouble and didn't like it and swapped it for a 1250 Bandit ... and still owns that Bandit ...

I know that's not everyone's experience .. but just throwing that into the mix ...

Banditbandit

3rd April 2014, 08:25

Depends on how many burnouts I do. Got 10k out of this last one is

Fuck !!! A nanny rider? I killed rear tyres on my 650 Bandit in 3,000 ks ... with a 100k round trip to work and home it doesn't take much to work out that I killed a rear tyre in a month (Now I live 1.5 ks from SH2 I have slowed down a lot) .. and yes, I do have the salary that can afford that ..

alexp36

3rd April 2014, 10:36

Okay, thanks ender. I was under the impression that S/T type bikes had a pretty effective fairing. Obviously not as much as I thought.

Sent from my GT-S7500 using Tapatalk 2

Swoop

3rd April 2014, 11:18

Guess I need to get off my arse, do some test rides, and find out for myself, LOL.
That is the best option yet. Everyone will have their bias and preference, for their own logical reasons.
Throw a leg over some bikes and make yours. :Punk:
Whatever the outcome there will be bits you really like and a few little issues that will bug you. At the end of the day, so long as it has 2 wheels...

alexp36

3rd April 2014, 12:15

Agreed!

Sent from my GT-S7500 using Tapatalk 2

Banditbandit

3rd April 2014, 13:10

STs may well have an effective fairing - but they are heavy fuckers and no good for a commute run in town ...

Devil

3rd April 2014, 15:20

Depends on your riding style.
I used to commute daily in AKL on a BMW R1200GS Adventure. Lane splitting was rarely an issue. Easier to ride that bike slowly and in traffic than a sports bike. It can do walking pace all day long if necessary with very little rider input.

Big Dave

3rd April 2014, 22:44

It can do walking pace all day long if necessary with very little rider input.

I noticed.

Banditbandit

4th April 2014, 08:03

Devil

4th April 2014, 08:30

I noticed.

You come 'ere and say that, tiny!

pritch

6th April 2014, 12:26

Are you saying the VFR, RF, Bandit, etc. have a fairing which is too low to do much? Guess I need to get off my arse, do some test rides, and find out for myself, LOL.

It's five years since i rode my VFR but as I recall the wind hits you across the shoulders, in which case your balls could be in your armpits and be protected.
Of course this is dependent on physical stature, or the lack thereof.

You shouldn't expect much protection in built up areas either, the speed is too low for the aerodynamics to do their thing.

May not have ridden my VFR for five years, but saw it on the road yesterday. Obviously being ridden by a man of great good taste and discernment. :whistle: